Juniors rubbed out for 244 weeks after jaw-break melee

Nino Bucci

Three junior footballers have been suspended for a total of 244 weeks after an ugly brawl during the grand final.

The under-17s players were suspended last night for the melee, with one rubbed out for 200 weeks for king hitting an opponent and leaving him with a broken jaw.

The Murray Football League decider between Echuca United and Congupna on Saturday erupted into chaos 10 minutes into the final quarter.

League general manager Dale Norman said an Echuca United player had struck an opponent from behind and two teammates had each been found guilty of two striking charges.

The teammates were suspended for 32 and 12 weeks when both fronted the tribunal. The other player will have his 200-week sentenced reviewed when he fronts the tribunal, but he has gone to ground since the grand final.

"They were very ugly incidents and it was a disappointing way to start grand final day," Mr Norman said.

Advertisement

Congupna won the match by 88 points.

Echuca United president Max Prendergast said the club would meet tonight to discuss the suspensions. He said the players, who joined the club mid-season, were all aged 16 or 17.

"The club is really disappointed it happened in the first place, it should never have happened," Mr Prendergast said.